The Definitive Inca Trail Packing List: Don’t Trek Without It!
Your adventure on the Inca Trail is about to begin, and you’ve already secured your reservation! But are you feeling overwhelmed not knowing what to bring on this magical journey? At Waman Adventures, we’re here to relieve you of the stress of daily hustle and make sure you’re well-prepared for this wonderful expedition. We understand your excitement about exploring the ancient Inca trails, which is why we provide you with the ultimate packing list for the Inca Trail. With this guide, you’ll be ready to embrace every moment of this incredible experience.
Required Documents for Inca Trail
PASSPORT
Before you pack all the clothes you’ll wear, toiletries, and essential items for your luggage, there’s one thing you mustn’t forget in any way.
Before starting the trek, make sure your passport is safely stored in your backpack.
To enter Peru and explore the Inca Trail, it’s essential to have your passport with you; otherwise, you won’t be allowed to access the trailhead checkpoint.
STUDENT ID
Students under 25 years old who want to enter Machu Picchu receive a $35.00 USD discount if they have a valid student ID (the ID must include the university’s name, student photo, and expiration date).
Student IDs without an expiration date won’t be accepted as valid.
Equipment and services you should take on the Inca Trail
Your adventure on the Inca Trail is about to begin, and you’ve already secured your reservation! But are you feeling overwhelmed not knowing what to bring on this magical journey? At Waman Adventures, we’re here to relieve you of the stress of daily hustle and make sure you’re well-prepared for this wonderful expedition. We understand your excitement about exploring the ancient Inca trails, which is why we provide you with the ultimate packing list for the Inca Trail. With this guide, you’ll be ready to embrace every moment of this incredible experience.
GUIDES, COOKS, AND PORTERS
Guides will be provided to inform and accompany the group during the trek. Porters will carry the camp equipment and set up the kitchen and dining area. Cooks will prepare all the meals during the trek.
TENTS
Normally, these items are supplied and transported by the porters. In our case, for our passengers’ comfort, tents are shared by only 2 travelers. The dining tent is also set up by the porters. The tent brand is EUREKA.
SELF-INFLATING SLEEPING PAD
The ProLite Plus self-inflating mattress provides compact performance and legendary Therm-a-Rest support. The self-inflating foam is 5 cm (2 inches) thick and features a design that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any self-inflating foam construction.
DUFFLE BAG
Ensure that your personal belongings are within a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11.02 pounds). It’s important not to exceed this weight to avoid overloading the porters who will carry your personal luggage.
You’ll only have access to the duffle bag during the evenings and nights.
ALL MEALS
Each day, the porters will carry everything necessary to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner at resting points and campsites.
PORTABLE TOILET
It’s important to note that Waman Adventures provides the option to use eco-friendly portable toilets, ensuring a sustainable and excellent experience during your Inca Trail journey. Our portable toilets are comfortable, hygienic, and environmentally conscious. The portable toilets we use are from the SereneLife brand.
SLEEPING BAG
To undertake the Inca Trail, it’s essential to have a high-quality, thermally efficient sleeping bag. That’s why Waman Adventures offers sleeping bags from the Doite Glaciar Ex. brand. They have a “mummy” design with an extendable section that allows an increase in width up to 90 cm. They are hypoallergenic, easy to maintain, and quick-drying.
TREKKING POLES
We recommend using trekking poles with rubber tips, especially if you have knee or leg discomfort. This route is known for its steep ascents, narrow paths, and stone staircases.
At Waman Adventures, you have the option to rent trekking poles for $15.00 USD, ensuring a more comfortable experience during your adventure. We provide Black Diamond Trekking Poles.
INFLATABLE PILLOWS
For added comfort, we will provide inflatable pillows that will be carried by the porters. Inflatable pillows are advantageous due to their compact size, minimizing space occupied and reducing weight.
Clothing for Inca Trail Trek
UNDERWEAR
The essential item that should not be missing from your luggage is sports underwear. We recommend taking 4 to 6 pairs of high-quality underwear to stay comfortable during the journey. We support brands like Icebreaker, Adidas, or other sports brands.
You can check recommended options for Men and Women here (insert Amazon link).
BASE LAYERS
Also known as an inner shirt or first layer, its use is important, especially at the highest point at Warmiwañusca Pass, where temperatures drop and are much colder.
Base layers fit the body and are made of high moisture-absorbing materials.
We suggest you bring two upper layers and one lower layer for extended durability.
LONG-SLEEVE SHIRTS
Long-sleeve shirts play a fundamental role during the Inca Trail trek. They not only provide protection against solar radiation but also against insects and unpredictable weather changes.
Choosing long-sleeve shirts with breathable and quick-drying fabrics can provide an additional level of comfort, helping you stay cool and dry as you walk.
FLEECE JACKET
Para the coldest sections of the journey, it is essential to carry a lightweight polar jacket. Polar linings made of Porlatec material are ideal for your adventure on the Inca Trail.
Porlatec garments come in 100, 200, or 300 thicknesses. We recommend using the 200 ones as they provide an ideal balance between warmth and comfort, making them perfect for trekking.
WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET
Including a waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for the Inca Trail, given the changing weather conditions typical of the Andes region.
It’s crucial to choose a jacket that protects you from rain and cold winds that may arise during your journey. The variety of options in the market includes waterproof and windproof jackets designed with breathable fabrics, allowing you to maintain a comfortable level even while protecting yourself from inclement weather.
HIKING PANTS AND SHORTS
It is advisable to carry 2 to 3 pairs of trekking pants and shorts. For greater convenience, it’s better to buy convertible pants like the model created by Craghoppers for trekking. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also feel super comfortable.
We know there are several brands of hiking pants to choose from, but we recommend Columbia and Craghoppers.
PAJAMA PANTS
Bringing pajama pants on the Inca Trail is a comfortable and practical option after a day of hiking. They can provide comfort at the campsite and help you rest properly to face each day of adventure.
RAIN PONCHO
The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable. As a precaution, it is important to carry a rain poncho, which acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the effects of rain do not hinder your trek, especially during the rainy season.
INFLATABLE PILLOWS
For added comfort, we will provide inflatable pillows that will be carried by the porters. Inflatable pillows are advantageous due to their compact size, minimizing space occupied and reducing weight.
HIKING SOCKS
You’ll need to carry 4 to 6 pairs of trekking socks. Opt for lightweight socks, preferably made of merino wool, as they are breathable and help wick away moisture. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and increases the risk of blisters.
GAITERS
Gaiters are worn over trekking boots to prevent mud, dust, water, and sand from getting into the boots. They are particularly useful in rough terrain or unfavorable and wet conditions. If you plan to walk during the rainy months from November to March, it may be advisable to bring gaiters.
MOUNTAIN BOOTS
This is another essential hiking item for the Inca Trail, as they will be your allies in the ascents and descents towards Machu Picchu.
It is crucial to wear a pair of well-fitted mountain boots, meaning the insole has started to mold to the shape of your foot. Avoid wearing brand new boots, as this could cause blisters, discomfort, and even toenail detachment.
SNEAKERS (TREKKING SHOES)
After an extensive day of trekking, your priority will be to free your feet from hiking boots and allow them to breathe. We suggest carrying a simple pair of lightweight trekking shoes or sandals that you can wear with your socks to keep warm. Another option is to bring lightweight sneakers with a non-slip sole.
SUN HAT
It is necessary to carry a lightweight and easy-to-pack hat to protect both your head and face from sunburn and reduce the risk of heatstroke. We recommend hats with an adjustable neck protection, as shown in the image.
Avoid wearing large and bulky hats like straw hats, as they can be challenging to store.
WOOL HAT
As mentioned earlier, nights on the Inca Trail can get cold. We recommend bringing a winter wool hat or headband to keep you warm.
BANDANA OR BALACLAVA
We recommend using a bandana or balaclava to keep your neck and face warm. Additionally, a bandana can be used as a headband or headscarf. These items will be the perfect solution to prevent sunburn.
GLOVES
On the Inca Trail, there won’t be extreme cold that requires very thick gloves. However, there may be cool moments at high altitudes and during mornings and evenings. It’s essential to opt for lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant gloves designed for activities like trekking that offer some warmth in cool conditions.
SUNGLASSES
High-quality sunglasses are essential on the Inca Trail due to the intensity of UV rays and strong visible light at high altitudes. Although Oakley leads in polarized sunglasses, its extensive protection may be excessive for Machu Picchu, where there is no intense snow conditions.
TREKKING BACKPACK
On your adventure on the Inca Trail, porters will carry the provided duffel bag for your personal belongings. However, to access important items such as water, snacks, a camera, a cell phone, sunscreen, and more, you’ll need a trekking backpack.
We recommend the Osprey Kestrel for men and the Osprey Fairview for women. Don’t forget to buy a rain cover for your backpack.
FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP
It’s essential to carry a headlamp or flashlight for use in the camp and its surroundings, as well as to have backup in case your hike ends after dark. Headlamps are preferable because they allow you to have your hands free.
CAMERA
We are confident that the natural landscape along the Inca Trail will leave you in awe. When visiting archaeological sites and the Andes Mountains, you’ll want to capture it all, and what better way to do it than in HD. If you don’t already have a good camera, it’s time to invest. We suggest some brands like Canon, Panasonic, Phase One, Sony (Alpha A6700), and Nikon (Z30 or Z50). However, if you want to travel light and capture fascinating videos, we recommend bringing a GoPro.
WATER BOTTLE
Due to the effects of altitude, it’s extremely essential to stay hydrated on the Inca Trail. You should drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily. Porters will provide you with water at the beginning of each day and during breaks.
For additional precaution, it’s advisable to carry your own water purification tablets.
CAMELPACK
The choice of a Camelback depends on the type of backpack you use. It should fit your bag and provide ease of use, which is the primary goal. Select a Camelback with a capacity of 2 to 3 liters, as opting for a larger one would be excessive in weight.
TREKKING TOWEL
A lightweight trekking towel is useful for drying your hair, face, and hands after a day of rain on the trail. There is an opportunity to take a shower on the third day, for which the towel is used.
TOOTHBRUSH
It’s essential to carry all your personal care products with you; make sure they are compact and lightweight (toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, deodorant, facial moisturizer, small soap).
WET WIPES / TISSUES
These are ideal for refreshing your hands and face, as well as for cleaning your body after an extensive day of hiking. It’s also advisable to carry a small-sized hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands before meals.
SUNSCREEN/LIP BALM
You should bring sunscreen (SPF 35+) because you’ll be walking in open areas at high altitudes, making effective sun protection essential. Don’t forget to bring lip balm, as you wouldn’t want your lips to become chapped.
INSECT REPELLENT
Each day, the porters will carry everything necessary to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner at resting points and campsites.
SWIMSUIT
You can take a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, which will help your body recover after a challenging hike. This item is essential if you plan to do this.
HAND SANITIZER
It’s ideal for more practical hand disinfection before and after meals or if your hands get dirty during the journey.
ISOTONIC POWDER
You can use it to flavor your water and replace electrolytes, improving your energy levels.
TOILET PAPER
This is another item that will come in handy when using the bathroom during the day. You’ll need toilet paper because most public restrooms sometimes do not provide it.
PEE BOTTLE (FOR WOMEN)
This is a practical and convenient solution for women on the Inca Trail. It allows you to avoid the discomfort of searching for suitable places to urinate in natural areas and offers greater convenience during the journey.
BLISTER PLASTERS
Walking for an extended period on the Inca Trail can cause painful blisters on your feet. It’s crucial to treat them promptly and take measures to minimize friction. Using proper blister plasters like Luekotape P or Compeed is essential, while common adhesive tape should be avoided due to its lack of breathability and worsening of blisters.
DIAMOX
Also known as acetazolamide, it’s a medication that can be used as a preventive solution for altitude sickness. However, you should note that this pill does not guarantee a cure for altitude sickness, so it should not be used as a definitive solution.
GENERAL MEDICATION
If you start to experience headaches, taking a paracetamol or aspirin will help you feel better. If you have stomach problems like diarrhea, you can take an Imodium tablet.
ANTICEPTIC CREAM
For any trek, it’s vital to carry antiseptic cream to help prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters.
EARPLUGS
Noise is not a major concern during the nights on the Inca Trail. The environment is mainly natural. However, if you are sensitive to noise, this item will be very useful. Additionally, it takes up minimal space, and its weight is practically insignificant.
SMALL LOCKS
If you want to add extra security to your personal belongings, you can buy small locks.
CASH
Carry local currency in soles and small denomination bills so that you can purchase souvenirs, tips, and for situations where cash is needed.
PORTABLE CHARGER
On the Inca Trail, there are no places to charge electronic devices, so this accessory is of great help to ensure your devices don’t run out of battery. The best part is that you can charge them at any time and place.
